Using Self-Storage to Facilitate Renovations

Home renovation projects can be exciting but challenging endeavors, requiring careful planning, organization, and space management. As you embark on the journey to improve your living spaces, Pouch self-storage can be an invaluable resource. Our units offer secure, convenient solutions for storing belongings, safeguarding them from dust and damage, and creating more room for renovation work. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how to use Pouch self-storage to facilitate home renovation projects, offering insights, tips, and considerations to help you make the most of your renovation project.

The Pre-Renovation Preparation

Before you commence a home renovation project, meticulous planning and preparation are essential. Self-storage can play a significant role in this initial phase:

• Assess Your Storage Needs: Conduct a thorough inventory of your belongings to identify items that need to be removed from the renovation area. This includes furniture, appliances, décor, and personal items that could be damaged during construction.
• Choose the Right Self-Storage Facility: Research and select a self-storage facility that caters to your specific requirements. With nine different storage facilities across Southern California, Pouch has a variety of locations to suit your needs. Check out our map to select the location nearest to you.
• Estimate Duration: Consider the expected duration of your renovation project. This will help you determine the size of the storage unit you need and the appropriate rental period.
• Sort and Declutter: Take advantage of this opportunity to declutter your home. Donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need. Storing fewer items will make your storage solution more cost-effective.

Packing and Storing

Once you’ve selected the right storage facility, it’s time to prepare your items for storage:

• Proper Packing: Safely pack your items in suitable containers and boxes. Use packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture covers to protect fragile and valuable items. Clearly label your boxes for easy identification.
• Climate Control: If you possess sensitive items, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. This will help protect items like electronics, wooden furniture, and artwork from temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Efficient Use of Space: Maximize the space in your storage unit by stacking items vertically and using shelving. Maintain a clear aisle for easy access to your items, placing frequently needed items closer to the entrance.
• Protect Your Belongings: Employ furniture covers and dust sheets to safeguard your items from dust and debris that can accumulate during the renovation.

Security and Accessibility

Ensuring security and accessibility to your self-storage unit during the renovation is crucial:

• Security Measures: Pouch offers robust security measures such as surveillance cameras, electronic gate access, bright lighting, and on-site staff. This ensures the safety of your belongings while you focus on the renovation.
• Access Schedules: Pouch offers extended 24/7 access to make sure that you can access your unit whenever you need. Be aware that we are closed on major holidays, so plan accordingly!
• Maintain a Detailed Inventory: Maintain a comprehensive inventory of the items in storage. Use a spreadsheet or a mobile app to keep track of what you have stored. This will help you locate items quickly when needed.
• Insurance: Consider obtaining insurance for your stored items. Check if your homeowners’ insurance covers items in storage, and if not, inquire about renter’s insurance.

Staying Organized and Efficient

Keeping your belongings efficiently organized throughout the renovation project will save you headache and help keep your project on track for success:

• Regular Inspections: Periodically visit your storage unit to ensure everything remains in order. This will help you identify and address any potential issues promptly.
• Communication: Maintain open communication with your renovation team and any contractors. Ensure they know the location of the storage facility and how to access it if necessary.
• Transition Planning: Plan the transition back to your home after the renovation. This may involve gradual retrieval of items or rearranging your storage unit for easier access to items you’ll need first.
• We Move You Free: Pouch innovated the “We Move You Free” Program. We pick up your Goods (within a 15-mile service area) in our truck delivering them to your rented Pouch Self Storage space, where you can load and unload your goods. Our goal is to make your moving experience easier by providing free tools to assist your moving process.

Post-Renovation Clean-Up

Once your home renovation project is complete, you’ll need to retrieve your stored items and settle back into your newly improved space:

• Thorough Cleaning: Before moving items back into your home, conduct a thorough cleaning to ensure the space is dust-free and ready for your belongings.
• Furniture Assembly: As you move items back, reassemble furniture, hang decorations, and arrange your space according to your renovation plans.
• Dispose of Unwanted Items: If you’ve decided not to reintroduce certain items into your newly renovated space, consider donating, selling, or recycling them.
• Take Your Time: While it can be tempting to rush the process, take your time in making your home exactly the way you want it. A well-organized storage unit can help you prioritize what items to reintroduce first.

Budgeting for Self-Storage

When planning a home renovation project that involves self-storage, it’s essential to consider the costs involved. Self-storage fees can vary widely depending on factors like location, unit size, and climate control. Here are some tips for budgeting your self-storage expenses:

• Compare Prices: With nine different locations in Southern California, Pouch has a variety of different types of storage unit solutions to meet your needs. Compare prices and sizing to make sure we are providing the unit that best suits your needs.
• Size Matters: Choose the right size of storage unit. A smaller unit will cost less, but if you end up with a unit that’s too small, you might have to pay for additional storage space later. Use our storage sizing tool to estimate the size of storage that is right for you.

Making the Most of Self-Storage

Getting the most out of your self-storage experience is crucial for a smooth home renovation project:

• Efficient Use of Space: If you have a limited budget and can’t afford a large unit, maximize the space you have by disassembling furniture and using stackable storage containers.
• Label Everything: Proper labeling can save you a lot of time and effort when you need to retrieve specific items. Create a comprehensive inventory and label your boxes clearly.
• Accessibility: Plan the layout of your storage unit for easy access. Keep items you might need during the renovation near the front, and stack less frequently needed items towards the back.
• Security: Don’t overlook security. Protect your stored items by using high-quality locks on your unit and consider additional security features, like alarmed units. Pouch facilities have a host of high-tech security features like electronic gate keypad access and high-definition security cameras to help make sure your space is always secure.

Creative Uses of Self-Storage During Renovation

Self-storage doesn’t have to only hold your stuff during a renovation. Pouch spaces are versatile and can serve various purposes during a home renovation:

• Workshop: If your home renovation involves significant construction or remodeling work, consider using a climate-controlled self-storage unit as a temporary workshop. This can help keep your home cleaner and safer.
• Temporary Office: If your home office is part of the renovation, you can set up a temporary office in your storage unit. Ensure it has adequate power supply and lighting for your needs.
• Art Studio: If you’re an artist or creative professional, a climate-controlled storage unit can serve as a temporary art or music studio during the renovation.

Maintaining a Stress-Free Home Life

Home renovations can be stressful, but using self-storage can help maintain a comfortable and organized living environment:

• Essential Living Space: Create a designated, clutter-free space within your home where you can relax and unwind. This will provide a respite from the chaos of the renovation.
• Safety Precautions: If you have children or pets, make sure they are safe from any renovation hazards. Keep them away from the construction area and avoid storing dangerous materials in your storage unit.
• Reducing Disruptions: Using self-storage can minimize disruptions to your daily routine, making the renovation process more manageable.
• Clear Communication: Maintain open communication with your renovation team. Let them know your expectations and any specific instructions regarding access to the storage unit.

Using Self-Storage for Different Renovation Types

The way you use self-storage can vary depending on the type of renovation you’re undertaking:

• Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations: These projects often involve the removal of appliances and fixtures. Use self-storage to safely store these items until they’re needed again.
• Whole-House Renovations: When renovating an entire house, self-storage becomes even more critical. Consider renting a larger unit to accommodate the contents of your entire home. Our storage space calculator can help you select the right amount of space for your needs.
• Outdoor Renovations: If your project involves outdoor improvements, like landscaping or deck building, self-storage can be a convenient place to store gardening equipment, tools, and outdoor furniture.
• Multi-Phase Renovations: For complex renovations with multiple phases, use self-storage to keep items from the areas currently under construction. Rotate items in and out of storage as needed.

Moving Your Stuff Back In

Once your home renovation is complete, it’s time to retrieve your belongings. An organized approach is best:

• Prioritize Necessities: Start by retrieving items that are essential for your daily life, such as kitchenware, clothing, and personal items.
• Gradual Reintegration: Don’t rush to bring everything back into your home at once. Gradually reintroduce items to avoid overwhelming yourself.
• Cleaning and Inspection: As you retrieve items, clean and inspect them for any damage that may have occurred during storage.
• Reassemble Furniture: Reassemble furniture items and reorganize your home according to your renovation plans.

Temporarily storing your things with Pouch can facilitate your home renovation projects. You’ll be able to protect your belongings, maintain a stress-free living environment, and ensure the smooth execution of your renovation plans. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and the type of renovation you’re undertaking, you can make the most of self-storage and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized, efficient, and successful renovation project.

Whether you’re renovating a single room or your entire home, Pouch can help offer a convenient and secure solution for your storage needs. With proper planning and the right approach, your home renovation journey can be a rewarding and transformative experience.

Find us in Anaheim, Rancho Cucamonga, Tustin, Lake Forest, San Juan Capistrano, Long Beach, Fountain Valley, Pasadena, and Santa Ana. Contact your local facility if you would like to take a tour. We would love to show you around.

Home Organization Hacks

Transforming your home into a haven of organization and efficiency requires a blend of creativity, resourcefulness, and practical strategies. These innovative and creative solutions help you make the most of your available space, simplify daily routines, and add a touch of personalization to your home. Whether you’re tackling a small apartment, a family home, or an office space, we have some practical and aesthetic tips that will enhance your quality of life. You won’t need much more than a little bit of dedication and ingenuity. Check out these organizational hacks:

Repurpose and Upcycle: Giving New Life to Old Items

Before seeking out new storage solutions, look within your existing possessions for hidden potential. Repurposing and upcycling offer a sustainable and cost-effective approach to maximizing space and organization:

• Transform old shoeboxes into organizers for stationery, craft supplies, or small personal items, adding a touch of personalization to your storage solutions.
• Convert sturdy cardboard boxes into storage containers for seasonal items, pantry staples, or children’s toys, covering them with decorative paper or fabric for a stylish touch.
• Give a second life to glass jars by using them to store spices, dried goods, bathroom essentials, or even homemade candles, adding a rustic charm to your storage spaces.

Embrace Multifunctional Furniture

Integrate multifunctional furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes, maximizing your space and reducing clutter:

• Opt for ottomans with hidden storage compartments to stash away blankets, pillows, or extra linens, creating a dual-purpose seating and storage solution.
• Invest in a storage bed with built-in drawers or compartments to store extra bedding, seasonal clothes, or infrequently used items, maximizing space under the bed.
• Choose a coffee table with lift-top storage to keep magazines, remote controls, or board games organized and out of sight, while maintaining a stylish centerpiece for your living room.

Vertical Storage Solutions

Unlock the potential of vertical space by utilizing walls for storage, creating additional storage options without compromising floor space:

• Install wall-mounted shelves or floating shelves to display books, decorative items, or collectibles, freeing up floor space and adding visual interest to your walls.
• Hang pegboards or rails in kitchens, bathrooms, or workshops to organize utensils, tools, or cleaning supplies, keeping them within easy reach and adding a touch of industrial chic.
• Utilize over-the-door organizers for hanging towels, cleaning supplies, or accessories, maximizing unused door space for efficient storage and keeping essentials within easy reach.

Labeling and Categorization

• Label storage containers, boxes, or drawers with clear and concise labels, indicating their contents for quick identification and retrieval.
• Categorize items by type, purpose, or frequency of use, grouping similar items together for efficient organization and creating a logical flow within your storage spaces.
• Utilize color-coding systems to visually differentiate between categories, making it easier to locate items at a glance and adding a splash of color to your storage areas.

Utilizing Underutilized Spaces: Hidden Storage Gems

Uncover hidden storage opportunities in often overlooked areas, maximizing every inch of available space:

• Convert the space under beds into storage for out-of-season clothes, extra linens, or infrequently used items, utilizing rolling bins or drawer units for easy access.
• Utilize the area above cabinets or shelves for storing seasonal decorations, infrequently used appliances, or extra supplies, maximizing vertical space and keeping rarely used items out of the way.
• Install corner shelves or cabinets to maximize corner spaces, providing additional storage for small items, decorative accents, or frequently used items.

Regular Decluttering and Maintenance: A Habit for Sustainable Organization

Maintaining a clutter-free and organized home requires regular decluttering and maintenance:

• Schedule regular decluttering sessions to eliminate unused, broken, or unwanted items, reducing clutter and freeing up valuable storage space.
• Adopt a “one in, one out” rule to prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items, ensuring that every new addition has a designated place and doesn’t contribute to clutter.

• Regularly review and reorganize storage spaces to ensure that items remain categorized, labeled, and easily accessible, adapting your storage system as your needs and belongings evolve.

Customized Storage Solutions: Tailored to Your Needs

Design customized storage solutions that cater to your specific needs and preferences, maximizing functionality and personalization:

• Create DIY storage solutions using repurposed materials or customized designs to fit unique spaces or accommodate specific items.
• Invest in modular storage systems that can be adapted and reconfigured as your storage needs change, providing flexibility and adaptability over time.
• Consider incorporating built-in storage solutions during renovations or new constructions, maximizing space efficiency and creating a seamless integration with your home’s design.
• Consider an offsite self-storage unit at Pouch to help you get the edge on home organization. We have units ranging from 5’x5’ to 10‘x30’ to store any size collection.

Embracing Technology: Smart Storage Solutions

Leverage technology to enhance your storage solutions and streamline organization:

• Using digital labeling systems, such as QR codes or barcodes, can help you quickly identify and track items, especially in large or complex storage spaces.
• Employ smart storage devices, such as connected cabinets or drawers, to monitor inventory levels, track usage patterns, and receive alerts when items need replenishing.
• Consider incorporating smart home technology to control lighting, ventilation, or humidity levels in storage areas, ensuring optimal conditions for preserving delicate items or preventing damage.

Aesthetics and Harmony: Creating a Pleasing Environment

Storage solutions don’t have to be merely functional. They can also be aesthetic, contributing to a harmonious and inviting living environment:

• Choose storage containers, organizers, and furniture that complement your home’s décor and style, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
• Incorporate decorative elements, such as baskets, boxes, or trays, to add visual interest and personality to your storage areas.
• Color coordination and consistent design elements can create a sense of flow and visual harmony throughout your storage spaces.

Remember, home storage hacks are not merely about maximizing space; they are also about creating a functional, harmonious, and personalized living space that reflects your unique style and preferences. Embrace creativity, resourcefulness, and a touch of personal flair to transform your home into a haven of organization, efficiency, and tranquility. Most importantly, choose to set aside a little bit of time each day to incorporate routine de-cluttering and organization. By taking small steps and staying dedicated to a schedule, you will be able to attain and maintain an organized home life.

Declutter Your Life: How Self-Storage Can Help You Simplify

It may sometimes seem like modern life requires access to more stuff than ever before. Between the responsibilities of education, work, recreation, parenting, cooking, hobbies, and holidays, clutter can build up and begin to disrupt the peaceful oasis that your home should provide. As life happens from day to day, the things that help us live it can start to add up, eventually turning into clean spaces into cluttered messes. Suddenly there’s no place for the activities you would like to enjoy, the guests you want to host, or the hobbies you would like to pursue.

Self-storage can be a simple solution, offering a haven of tranquility, a space away from home for belongings that allows us to return to a philosophy of mindfulness. Rather than letting things continue to add up into a stressful home life, a practical approach to storage can alleviate the clutter and give you back the room you need. Let’s look at the ways self-storage can help us reclaim our spaces and foster greater peace of mind.

Taming the Clutter

Over years of active living, belongings can start to pile up, filling homes from closets to cabinets, bookshelves to mantels. An overabundance of possessions can create chaos and disorderly living spaces and has been shown to have negative effects on a person’s well-being. Psychologists have found that there’s a negative correlation between life satisfaction and clutter; people with more clutter report a lower life satisfaction. Self-storage units can help by providing a safe place to store clutter, reducing the amount of stuff in your living space, and bringing a greater level of serenity and satisfaction in your day-to-day life.

Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism is a lifestyle that emphasizes living with only the essential items that bring value and joy to your life. It encourages the removal of clutter and distractions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Minimalism is not about deprivation or living in an empty space; it’s about intentionality and mindful living. Self-storage can help you embrace intentionality and mindfulness when it comes to the objects you choose to surround yourself with. With greater home organization comes greater peace of mind, lower stress, and a better standard of life. Starting small can help ease the transition. Taking it one box at a time can lead to the realization that a household can operate with fewer physical trappings. This can in turn lead to enhanced focus and productivity, allowing you to achieve your goals more effectively.

Simplifying Business Space

One reality of post-pandemic life is that many more people have begun working remotely, which has led to an increase in home office spaces. When your home becomes your business, unnecessary clutter can complicate your ability to focus on work. Self-storage offers a versatile solution for managing inventory, storing equipment, and archiving documents, or just clearing excess furniture to help you design your ideal home workspace. By optimizing your workspaces, enhance efficiency, and reduce clutter, fostering a more productive and organized work environment.

Seasonal Storage

From sporting gear to holiday decorations, the things that we only use seasonally can build up over the years, causing a cluttered mess in our living spaces. Rather than having these things on hand year-round, placing them in a self-storage unit can provide easy access when they are needed, while keeping them out of sight when it’s not time. Offsite storage is perfect for Christmas trees, yard decorations, canoes, skis, even bins of summer or winter clothing when the weather isn’t appropriate.

Preserving Memories

You want to remember the good times in life, but you don’t always want the memorabilia cluttering up your home. Wedding clothes and décor, family heirlooms, childhood mementos and nostalgic keepsakes can last longer and more safely in self-storage, preserving your memories of precious times without sacrificing the sanctity of a clean and organized home. Storing mementos may seem difficult at first, but prioritizing a clutter-free environment.

Embracing a Mobile Lifestyle

Self-storage offers a practical solution for those embracing a mobile lifestyle. Having a designated space for safeguarding and managing your possessions while on the road is perfect those without the constraints of a permanent residence. Digital nomads, globetrotters, and those transitioning between homes can rely on self-storage to safeguard their belongings, ensuring a sense of stability amidst a life on the move.

Reimagining Creative Spaces

Hobbies provide an extra level of enjoyment in life. Whether your interests require a collection of musical instruments, a crafting or sewing space, a woodworking workshop, or a painting studio, self-storage solutions can help you reclaim the space in your home to explore your artistic passions without having to get rid of your belongings. Using a self-storage unit means you won’t have to choose between your hobbies and your stuff. Dedicating a specific space for your craft helps simplify life by creating a distinction between your living area, work area, and creative space, helping you stay focused and organized, leading to a more enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Simplifying Renovation Projects

Home renovation adds a level of mess and chaos that can further complicate your already busy lifestyle. Self-storage units are an ideal solution for temporarily moving furniture, appliances, and extraneous possessions. Whether you are doing a DIY project or have contractors in and out of your space, storing non-essential items can make it easier to work in a space, while also protecting your belongings from dust, scuffing, or more serious damage that might occur if they were still in the way.

Protecting Valued Possessions

Family heirlooms can be precious and valuable, whether monetarily or sentimentally, but often they aren’t ideal keepsakes to have around the house. Whether you’re looking to preserve an item with care or just prevent it from the wear of an active family life, self-storage facilities are climate-controlled environments that are ideal for antiques, heirlooms, art collections and furniture.

Navigating Life Transitions

Life is full of changes, whether it be marriage, the birth of a child, divorce, or the loss of a loved one. During transitions like these, self-storage can be a major help in maintaining peace and calm. Storage can provide a neutral location for keeping shared possessions during a divorce, or while settling an estate. When welcoming a new family member, self-storage can be useful for turning the craft room or man cave into baby’s new space without sacrificing your possessions. When it’s time to move baby from a nursery into a big kid room, you might want to use a storage unit to hold onto some of the outgrown items.

Embracing Sustainability

By simplifying and separating our stuff through storage, we can approach the things that we own with a greater level of mindfulness and conservation. Rather than impulsively throwing things away that we may not need today, storing them can help us embrace a more responsible approach to our belongings and the environment.

Peace of Mind

Above all else, self-storage can provides a separation between you and the stuff you don’t need to see every day. By maintaining a separate space for extraneous belongings, you can reclaim the sanctuary of peace that your home is intended to be, which can reduce stress levels and provide a better sense of overall wellbeing. You can reclaim your space from clutter and start living with a better quality of life. If you’re ready to get started on your path to decluttering, Pouch can help. Get in touch with us today to learn about how we can assist you.

Sustainable Ways to Get Rid of Old Clothes

Did you know that, on average, Americans throw away about 81 pounds of clothing each year? If that seems like an astonishing statistic, here’s another one for you: most Americans don’t wear about 82% of what’s in their wardrobes. Why are we putting so much clothing into the landfills? Better yet, what are some more sustainable ways to dispose of unwanted clothing?

• Donate it. This is, obviously, everyone’s first thought. Unfortunately, much of the clothing people donate each year still winds up in the landfill. There’s so much donated clothing every year that many retailers can’t keep up with it. Often, it ends up being sent overseas, where it’s shredded and repurposed, or thrown away. That being the case, there are some great places to donate clothing, including nonprofits, schools, churches, or mutual aid groups. Call around to see who can use what you need to discard. You can also look into online groups like freecycle, where you may be able to find people to take the clothing you no longer want.
• Sell it. Consignment stores are good places to sell clothes that are in good shape, but they aren’t the only option. There are also secondhand clothing apps and sites like Poshmark and Thredup, where you can send your unwanted duds to be sold. Of course, there’s also eBay if you’re interested in managing the listings yourself.
• Recycle it. Did you know that many articles of clothing can be recycled? Fabric from worn out clothing can be shredded and used for insulation, furniture stuffing, and many other purposes. Look for textile recycling programs in your area.
• Repurpose it. There are tons of creative ideas for ways to use clothing that’s not nice enough to donate or sell. Some of your old clothing will make great cleaning rags, other items will make a perfect rag rug, or you could make a bag or stuff a pillow with clothing you no longer need.
• Swap it. Clothing swaps can be a fun way to bond with people you know and get some new clothes at no cost. Host a swap party: invite your most fashionable friends, set out some snacks, and start swapping!
• Compost it. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp, wool, bamboo, silk, and ramie are all biodegradable and can be composted. Make sure they’re not blended with anything like polyester, take out non-compostable parts like zippers and buttons, shred them thinly, and they’ll be perfect for your compost pile. Keep the ratio right, limiting your clothing to 25 percent or less of your composting.

If you need to store some old clothing while you determine the best thing to do with it, we’ve got you covered. Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering

Over the past year, have things gotten a little bit cluttered in your house? It’s happened to a lot of us, as we- and our family members- have spent a lot more time at home. If you’re looking for a way to refresh your space, decluttering is a great first step towards improving your décor. What you may not know, though, is that decluttering can be good for your mental health.

• Clutter can increase your likelihood of depression and anxiety. Our brains are wired to be less anxious when things around us are orderly. In fact, recent research indicates that cluttered spaces create high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which then causes anxiety and depression. So, when you declutter, you’re alleviating a source of stress.
• Your sleep may improve in a decluttered bedroom. When your home, and especially your bedroom, are cluttered, your mind can be full of uneasy thoughts. This interrupts your sleeping patterns and can result in poor sleep. If you want a good night of sleep, get rid of the chaotic clutter in your bedroom.
• A cluttered house can aggravate your allergies. Clutter conceals contaminants of all kinds, from pet hair and dust to mold and mildew. This makes it a breeding ground for harmful allergens. When you declutter and organize, you can improve your indoor ventilation, which helps prevent mold buildup. You’ll also be able to clean more easily where pet dander and dust have gathered, improving your indoor air quality and alleviating allergic symptoms.
• Getting rid of clutter can improve your relationships. When you share a home, whether with roommates or family members, clutter can put a strain on your communal harmony. Keeping the house clutter-free makes everyone feel happier and prevents fights over messes.
• The act of decluttering is good for your overall well-being. Physically, decluttering requires you to get moving, so it burns calories and can energize you. Mentally, the decision-making and problem-solving skills required in decluttering create a feeling of confidence in your own competency. When you’re decluttering, your mind has space to wander, and that can lead to lightbulb moments that help you with the rest of what you need to do. One more bonus? While you’re decluttering, you will often find things you didn’t even remember you’d lost. In this way, decluttering can reveal lost treasures and ultimately save you money.

Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. You can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Steps to Decluttering your Closet

An uncluttered closet makes for an easier life, so why do so many of us find it so hard to declutter our closets? It can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon have a closet that’s neat and organized. Best of all, you can get it done in about fifteen minutes!

• Start with the right supplies. You’ll need three large bags or boxes and a permanent marker for labeling them. One will be for donations and two will be for removing items from the closet for now. If your closet is low on hangers or needs some reconfiguring, go ahead and get new hangers, organizers, or whatever else you’ll need.
• Move quickly to pull out things you’re ready to give away. Anything that doesn’t fit, clothes that you don’t really life, and pieces you never wear can all go into the donations bag. Don’t spend too much time on this, just grab the things you absolutely don’t want to keep.
• Fill the second bag with things that don’t fit, but that you’re not ready to lose just yet. This should be a small amount of clothing, only your favorites among your non-fitting items. Again, don’t get hung up on this. If something feels hard to let go, go ahead and keep it for now. In a few months, go through this bag again and pare it down further.
• Move special occasion items out of the way. Only keep the pieces you actually need and wear, moving them to the far end of your closet.
• Fill the third bag with things you haven’t worn in a year. First, lay them on the bed and be honest with yourself about whether or not you’ll ever wear them again. If you can’t see yourself in them, donate them. If there’s a possibility that they can still work for you, put them in the third bag and label it “maybe”. If you’re on the fence, go ahead and put it in the bag. You can revisit the bag later and donate more things.
• Store the three bags you just filled. Put the donations bag in your car and take it to the thrift store as soon as possible. Don’t hang onto it until you find the perfect recipient, just donate it. Store the other three bags in your closet if there’s room or in a storage area if you don’t.
• If you have more time, set aside an hour to do a more in-depth declutter. Take everything out of the closet, then make essentially the same decisions you made in the fifteen minute process, just more carefully. Find a place for everything so that you can keep it tidy, installing shelves if necessary, to give yourself more organizational options.
• Set yourself up for future success. Make some rules for yourself, to keep your closet from getting cluttered again. Only buy things that will fit, look good, and go with things that you already own. Don’t buy things just because they’re on sale, if they’re not going to make a positive contribution to your wardrobe.

Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

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